The Sony VAIO VGO-LA38G is a welcome change of form factor which retains its mobility while also being a mobile, stylish and functional addition to the household.

For tablet users this small, light tablet PC will offer hours of casual usage away from a power source and will comfortably handle a good range of commonly used software. The standard ThinkPad chassis is rugged and is easy to hold onto. The 8-cell battery protrudes from the edge of the unit, which looks a little strange in notebook mode, but acts as a great grip when in tablet mode.

Although we were disappointed by the screen and battery life, this system offers some great media functionality and looks stylish at that.

The Sony VAIO VGN-G811GN/B is a very nice option for people who expect to be on the road a lot. The battery life is good and for such a small unit it's nice to see an internal optical drive.

The VGN-N27GH is a solid, but not outstanding notebook for anyone looking for basic performance in a stylish package. Unfortunately, poor battery life and sluggish performance are turn offs, and may turn away users looking for performance on the road.

While not for everyone, the nc6400 proved to be a solid choice for those after a business notebook, offering reasonable performance combined with optional 3G internet built in.

A powerful system for powerful tasks, the AR38G can handle most things you throw at it and has a High Definition Blu-Ray drive, ensuring it will be useful for years to come.

The Sony VAIO VGN-FE45G/W doesn't offer great battery life, but is very comfortable to use and has enough power under the hood to deal with everyday use and more.

Nicely designed and comfortable to use, despite the screen glare. Just be sure to pack the AC adapter.

The NEC Versa E6210 looks nice and is a good size for those on the road. The battery life didn't impress us, but will be fine for the casual user, as will the performance of this machine.

The Presario V3000 is an attractively sleek and compact notebook slightly let down by its less-than-stellar battery life. However, for those who value design and portability over beefy specs, it remains an affordable and worthy purchase.

If you are in the market for a good all-round notebook, the Fujistu E8210S will suit your needs.